Day 4 – crossing the Pyrenées, ups and downs all around

Today was a tough day.

After enjoying last nights camping, I didn’t end up sleeping as well as I should have, the sound of the rain on the tent at night woke me up several times. I’m just not used to it.

So I started off my day optimistic and looking forward to meeting Philippe in Portbou, but tired before even starting.

The 33km from Roses to Portbou started off fairly innocent but got very up and down at the coast, meaning I was sore by the time Phil arrived at the train station.

He, fresh from his train ride, couldnt wait to get on the road and the 40km or so of mountain passes seperating Spain from France. I was already running on pure adrenaline at this time, but, my extremist methods of testing my own limits started shining through, and I was chomping-at-the-bit to feel those mountains again in my legs.

And feel them we did!!! Even with Phil gallantly volunteering to take my panniers (just this once!), the ride was brutal. Tough, but on the other hand extremely beautiful! The photos here show a little of the amazing Med viewed from a height that we reached on our bikes!!!

1 or 2 villages into France and I was feeling more and more under the weather. It hasn’t helped that I haven’t taken with me a full length pair of pants or a windbreaker… An absolute must with the ferocious winds I’ve been encountering. Cold and strong enough to lose your balance, if you go downhill fully charged and too fast.

In the end, I am unhappy to report that we ended up taking the bus some 20km or so near the end of the day. Phil had only a day pack with him, otherwise we could camp somewhere and continue tomorrow, in our case though we needed to get back to his flat in Elne. I felt that if I pushed myself any further I would risk an accident, it just seems wiser to not play the dare-devil, especially this early in the ride! So bused we did, to my great relief and dismay…

And here we are, resting and chatting up a storm (havent seen eachother in almost a year). Due to my sniffles, always a messege from my body that it is time to take some rest, I am dedicating tomorrow to recuperation.
Its a marathon after all, not a sprint – and I think you’ll agree that the objective is that I stay in top shape so that I can actually get to Istanbul in one piece!

Hope you all are doing well, and spreading the news and supporting this leg-breaking fundraising adventure!

Kasia – your dedicated cyclist

Day 3 – from Girona to Roses

After getting some much needed rest I am finding my way through smaller towns (to avoid the unpleasantness of larger roads and big trucks) heading generaly north-east.

Also wanted to show you that I am sporting my UofC shorts today!!

Day 2 – inland to Figueres

Started off with 5km steep climb, just a friendly reminder of how sore I am already
For the time being I’m glad to be back on the flat.

My new-old bike – the specs

One of the highlights of this trip is my old-new custom-made bike built almost entirely from recycled parts!  Right now, Jose Aroca (click here to read article about Jose and his work), is building this remarkable bike for me in Barcelona, Spain

Here are the specs:

- Cro Mo frame, size 48cm, low bar, navy colour

- 28″ wheels

- Tyres (1,4) and tubes Schwalbe Marathon (anti puncture)

- 24 speed Shimano alivio/altus, rapid fire shift

- crank set 48-38-28

-V-brakes “Tectro”

- back racks for panniers

- flat mountain-bike handle bars

- water bottle holders

- mud guards

- women’s gel saddle

…Can’t wait to see it when I arrive in Barcelona in early May!!

RECIRCULA – building my unique bike in Barcelona

Jose Aroca Navarro, bike enthusiast and mechanic, works in Barcelona, Spain with an organization called RECIRCULA (literally translated “re-circulated”).  They are an association of cyclists who promote biking as the best way of transport in the city and for travel.  Critical to this non-profit organization is their recycling mission, continuously finding and reusing parts from discarded bikes that are still in good condition.  Then, through repairs and occasionally adding some new parts to the mix, Jose and his team can build a brand new bike, customized to their client’s every need and preference.

Check out RECIRCULA’s website (in Catalan only, for the time being)

So excited to ride this extra-eco-bike and to support such a great project!  To read about the part specs of my bike, click here.